The first order of business is installing the marker dots. That has to be done before the frets are attached. Carefully measure off where you want them installed and mark with an awl, the exact center of that spot.
The small indentation made by the awl will guide the next step, a small finger drill which makes a hole to guide the final larger hole made on the drill press.
Now that the guide holes have been drilled you are ready for the drill press and the 3/16ths drill bit which will make the holes for the shell dots.
You will find that the drill bit centers itself on your carefully drilled smaller holes and you will be able to drill exactly where you wanted to place those dots. Drill just deep enough to accept the shell dots of your choice.
then drop in a little glue and insert the shell dots.
then drop in a little glue and insert the shell dots.
I don't like a lot of "bling" on my instruments, but I am an awful sucker for Puia abalone. I am putting dots of that amazing shell on these ukes. Just look at the color and variety of this shell which changes as the light comes at it from different directions. Just a small amount of "bling".
Oh, and don't forget the edge dots. They will also be Puia Abalone and are tiny enough to be seated by this small drill bit. Be sure you get them in the center of the edge, by first using that Awl point to mark the spot.
